Effect of Co-Driver on Job Content and Depression of Truck Drivers

BACKGROUND: Since the presence of a co-driver can be considered as a companion, partner, or friend for a driver through eliminating driver's loneliness, it plays a significant role in health and safety of drivers. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of co-drivers on depression and occupational stress on male truck drivers. METHODS: This study was an interventional case-control study. Seventy truck drivers were selected and divided into two groups: case (33 truck drivers with co-drivers) and control (37 truck drivers without co-drivers). Two Goldberg depression inventories (for evaluating driver's depression) and the Karasek job content questionnaire (for evaluating driver's job stress) were used to collect data which were completed by interview. RESULTS: The results showed that job content values for the case group were higher in all dimensions except job nature. The comparison of the percentages showed significant difference between two groups. Depression rate in drivers with co-driver is truly less than depression rate in drivers without co-driver. There was significant positive relationship between dimensions of job content and depression rate. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it can be claimed that a co-driver decreases stress and loneliness of drivers, as well as increases work performance and job satisfaction, and, in turn, leads to a decrease in job-related depression.

[Association between nutrient patterns and changes in weight and waist circumference in Tehranian adults: Tehran lipid and glucose study]

Introduction: The association of nutrient patterns with chronic disease and obesity has been much focused on recently. This study investigated the relation between nutrient patterns with changes in weight and waist circumference

Materials and Methods: The study population included 1637 subjects, aged 30-75 years, free of cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, recruited from Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study [2005-2008]. Participants had complete anthropometric and dietary information and were followed up to the next phase [2008-2011]. Dietary intake of 33 nutrients was collected by a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire and three year changes of weight and waist circumference were documented. Nutrient patterns were obtained using principal component analysis

Results: Four nutrient patterns were identified. Median and interquartile range [IQR] of weight and waist circumference changes of participants were 1.0 [-1.0-3.0] kilogram and 3.0 [0.0-8.0] centimetres, respectively. The first pattern [high fat dairy and meat], rich in animal protein, saturated fatty acid, cholesterol, vitamin D, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorous and zinc was associated with higher weight gain 0.258 [0.066-0.449] P for trend=0.009 after adjusting for confounder variables. There were no significant associations for other patterns [fruit and vegetables with dairy, nuts and legumes, and grains and fruits] with changes in weight and waist circumference

Conclusion: Dietary intakes of nutrient patterns rich in animal source foods are directly associated with higher weight gain

[ association between dietary energy density and the risk of type 2 diabetes: Tehran lipid and glucose study]

Dietary energy-dense foods predispose to obesity and may be associated with risk of type 2 diabetes; therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the association between dietary energy density [DED] and the risk of type 2 diabetes. In this matched nested case-control study, 178 new onset cases of diabetes were selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, and followed for over 9 years. Each case was randomly matched with 3 controls from among participants who had not developed diabetes. Dietary intakes were determined using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire. DED was calculated as energy intakes [kcal] from foods and beverages divided by the weight [grams] of foods. The mean ages of participants were 43 +/- 6.5 and 44.5 +/- 12 years, in women and men respectively. Individuals with higher DED had higher calories, total fat, carbohydrate and processed meat intakes and lower fruit and vegetable intakes in men and women [P<0.05]. Energy density was positively associated with incident diabetes in women, after adjustment for diabetes risk factors and total calorie intake [OR: 2.28, P trend=0.02] or total fat intake [OR: 2.15, P trend=0.03], an association which was not significant in men. In this nested case-control study, there was positive association between DED and risk of type 2 diabetes in women

[Interaction of APOC3 polymorphism and dietary fats on the risk of metabolic syndrome]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between dietary fatty acids and the genetic variant of APOC3 rs5128 3238C>G in relation to metabolic syndrome [MetS] components in adults. In this matched nested case-control study, 755 MetS subjects and 755 controls were selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Dietary intake was determined using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire. APOC3 was genotyped by the conventional polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Mean ages of men and women were not different in cases and controls. The frequency of C allele was 81%, which did not differ in cases and controls or in men and women. Compared to CC genotype, low HDL-C risk was increased in women with the CG+GG genotypes and with cholesterol intakes >/=208 mg/day [OR: 1.93]. In men with the CG+GG genotypes and saturated fatty acid [SFA] intakes >/=9.8% of energy, OR of high diastolic blood pressure [BP] was 2.15[1-1.46], compared to individuals with SFA intake <9.8% of energy and CC genotype. Compared to the CC genotype, the risk of high diastolic BP was higher in men carrying the G allele and consuming mono-unsaturated fatty acid [MUFA] intakes >/=9.4% of energy. Results demonstrate a nutri-genetic interaction between rs5128 and fat intakes in relation to components of MetS; individuals with G allele carriers and higher intakes of cholesterol, MUFA or SFA had higher risk of low HDL-C and hypertension than the CC genotype

Assessment of relationship between dietary patterns and incidence of hypertension: tehran lipid and glucose study

Identifying different food patterns may play a role in reducing the incidence of hypertension. Since most studies in this field have been cross-sectional, studies demonstrating HTN incidence are very limited. Hence we conducted this longitudinal study to determine dietary patterns and their effects on the incidence of hypertension. Dietary patterns of 1787 subjects, aged 20-60 yrs, who participated in phase 3 of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study [TLGS] were determined using factor analysis and the association between dietary patterns and the incidence of hypertension in phase 4 of TLGS was assessed, using logistic regression. Mean age across quartiles of healthy and western dietary patterns differed significantly. Individuals with lowest adherence to healthy dietary pattern and highest adherence to western dietary pattern were younger than others. Participants in the highest quartile of the healthy dietary pattern were physically more active than those in the upper quartile of western dietary pattern, who had the lowest level of physical activity. The healthy dietary pattern was negatively associated with elevated systolic blood pressure in models 2 [adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking and BMI] and 3 [adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking and BMI and physical activity] [odds ratio: 0.74 [95% Cl: 0.56-0.98] and 0.74 [95% Cl: 0.56-0.97] respectively, P=0.03 for both]. Results of this study showed that adherence to the healthy dietary pattern reduced the risk of incidence of hypertension by 26%

[Sleep problems in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder]

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood. 20-50% of ADHD affacted children have sleep disorders which can cause cognitive and behavioral disorders. This study was done to determine the sleep problems in children with ADHD. In this case control study, 52 children with ADHD was considered as cases and 52 school age children without ADHD as a control group in Gorgan, northern Iran during 2013. Sleep habits [CSHQ] and DSM-IV questionnaires were filled for each child. Sleep problems were observed in 45 [86.5%] and 36 [69.2%] of children in case and control group, respectively [P<0.05]. The mean score of sleep problems in case and control group was 48.25 +/- 6.61 and 45.87 +/- 6.23, respectively [P<0.05]. The score of resistance to sleep, anxious habits of sleep and waking during night in cases were more than controls [P<0.05]. Sleep problems in children with ADHD are more frequent than children without ADHD

comparative study between the conventional MCQ scores and MCQ with the CBA scores at the standardized clinical knowledge exam for clinical medical students

Background and purpose: Partial knowledge is one of the main factors to be considered when dealing with the improvement of the administration of Multiple Choice Questions [MCQ] in testing. Various strategies have been proposed for this factor in the traditional testing environment. Therefore, this study proposed a Confidence Based Assessment [CBA] as a pertinent solution and aims at comparing the effect of the CBA Scoring system with that of the conventional scoring systems [with and without negative score estimation as penalty] on the students' scores and estimating their partial knowledge on clinical studies

Methods: This comparative study was conducted using a standardized clinical knowledge exam for 117 clinical students. After two-step training, both the conventional MCQ and CBA examination was given in a single session simultaneously. The exam included 100 questions and the volunteers were requested to complete a questionnaire regarding their attitude and satisfaction on their first experience of the CBA after exam. A new confidence based marking system was selected for the scoring, which was a hybrid of the UCL and MUK2010 systems. The MCQ-Assistant, SPSS and Microsoft office Excel software were used for scoring and data analysis

Results: The mean age of the volunteers was 27.3 +/- 5.47, of whom 43.6% were men and 69.2% were senior medical students. Exam reliability was 0.977. The fit line of the MCQ scores without penalty estimation was R[2]=0.9816 and Intercept=18.125 or approximately.2 deviation in the low scores. The MCQ scoring with penalty had a fit line approximately parallel to the 45-degree line but on or above it and the CBA scoring fit line was nearer to the 45-degree line, parallel to it and a little below it. These two sets of scores had a significant p value0.037. The response percentage to the CBA is higher [p value=0.0001]. The discrimination power of the MCQ and the CBA for the upper and lower 1/3 of the students was not significantly different [p value=0.34]. The students' satisfaction score was high and acceptable to the CBA system and expressed a positive perspective on this system for their examinations

Conclusions: The CBA method can increase the competencies of the MCQ exams. It was found to have a greater fairness assessment, was an effective examination, an authentic testing method, with precise estimation and higher constructs validity than the conventional MCQ exam. The CBA simulate the reflection for deeper learning among the students

Quality dimensions of educational morning report sessions

Morning report sessions had long-standing history in medical education. Morning report management is an important aspect of professional medical education. To evaluate the contents of the morning report sessions, including management, staff training, deep learning, attention to learners at different level of education, record keeping, feedback, and final summarizing, direct observation of 73 sessions was conducted in five teaching hospitals in a medical university in Tehran. The following scores were obtained: morning report management [91%], training faculty members [9%], residents' training [4%], direct learning by patient management instead of memorizing study material [88%], paying attention to the different educational levels of learners [28%], record keeping [36%], systematic feedback [48%], and a final summarizing session [26%]. Out of eight, five dimensions related to teaching in the morning report sessions need improvisation, specifically on the training of faculty members and residents, paying attention to different educational levels of learners, brief summary of all sessions, and record keeping

[Relationship between problem solving skill and ecstasy usage among adolescents]

Life skills play a significant role in adolescents' health promotion and have a positive effect on modifying their high-risk behaviors. A great deal of studies has shown that problem solving may affect drug usingbehavior. The purpose of this study is to determine adolescents' problem solving skill and its relation with ecstasy usage among adolescents of the west of Tehran. In a cross-sectional [correlative] study. Eight hundred adolescents ranging from 16-18 years old residing in the western public regions of Tehran participated in the study. Problem-solving skill was determined using "problem solving inventory". Adolescents' usage of ecstasy was measured by a self-structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were completed by participants after obtaining an informed consent. Our finding revealed that most of participants [69.4%] enjoyed good problem-solving skills. Also, findings indicated that 7.6% of adolescents have experienced ecstasy usage once at least. There was a significant relationship between problem-solving skill and ecstasy usage in adolescents [P=0.001]. Regarding the findings, it is recommended to reinforce life skills in adolescents by emphasizing the role of parents, peers and friends to prevent substance abuse. It isalso recommended that some programs are required to be executed regarding prohibited substances including ecstasy and their complications to increase publicgeneral information

Evaluation of educational requirements among Iranian cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

Introduction: Cancer is the 3rd cause of death after heart disease and injuries in Iran. Radiotherapy is one of the most effective procedures in cancer therapy, but in spite of widespread usage, its nature and side effects are still unknown for many patients. The main goal of this survey was studying various educational needs among cancer patients with specific emphasis on radiation therapy and its side effects

Patients and methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical research based on the information extracted from personal interviews and files in order to determinate patients' educational needs and their relationship with different variables such as demographic characteristics and the kind of disease among those referred to radiation therapy department in Mashhad Omid Hospital during a 6 months period

Results: Our findings show that age and marital status have a statistically significant association with educational needs [P<0.01]. Also patients in early stage of their disease had higher educational requirements. Most of the patients had limited or moderate information about their disease and treatment effects [88%]. In addition 46% of patients mentioned the physician as their preferred source of information

Conclusion: Findings indicate lack of training about radiotherapy and its side effects among our cancer patients, and emphasizes the need for a structured program to alleviate this problem. It seems that the role of physicians in this field is more significant than other health care staff

[Assessing the factors influencing delivery method selection in pregnant women referred to Public hospitals in Shirazr]

Although cesarean section is the preferred mode of delivery for some mothers ,the rate of cesarean section deliveries has increased to more than 50 percent in some countries. While the World Health Organization has emphasized, cesarean section be performed only based on the indication. This study will assesses the causes and factors influenced on choosing the delivery method in pregnant women referred to Public Hospitals in Shiraz. A descriptive design was used to assess factors related to mothers' decisions about mode of delivery. Using a cluster random sampling method, a total number of 417 Pregnant women admitted to hospitals in Shiraz were included in the study. Data were collected by a questionnaire and interview. Data were analyzed by Chi-square, and fisher exact test with using SPSS software. The results showed significant relation among factors Urbanity, Infant health status, Concern about genital injuries, Spouse views and Willingness to cesarean with choice of cesarean [p<0/05]. Due to significant positive attitude of women's towards the cesarean, rather than normal delivery, it is necessary to inform them about the advantages of normal delivery and health hazard which might cause by Cesarean to the mother and child. The change of women's Knowledge and attitude about cesarean is needed to avoid further complication

[Prevalence of sexual violence among infertile women attended to 2011. Tehran of infertility centers]

Violence is a global problem. More than 1.6 millions of people worldwide lose their lives because of violence every year. Also, many others are injured and suffer from physical, sexual, reproductive and mental problems. 10-69 percent of women experience of physical violence and over 30-50 percent of them experience sexual violence. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and the factors associated with sexual violence against infertile women attending to infertility centers in Tehran, Iran. In this cross sectional / descriptive study 400 infertile women attending to infertility centers in Tehran were included. The samples of the study were selected by purposive sampling method. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire consisted of demographical characteristics of infertile women, demographical characteristics of husband, The questionnaire of sexual violence that has happened in the last 3 months and Questionnaire of general health. To analyze data, descriptive statistics, Spearman test, one way analysis of variance and SPSS 17 software were used. Age of women was 30. 50 +/- 6. 16. Prevalance of sexual violence was 47. 3%. Sexual violence was significantly associated with income, unwanted marriage ,using drugs and opium and evaluation of total physical health of women and ethnicity, smoking and addiction or drug abuse, mental diseases of the husband and threatened to divorce before treatment, general health status and number of sexual intercourse [P < 0.05]. One of the main purposes of marriage in developing countries is fertility. Infertile women try many methods of infertility treatment, loneliness and harsh treatment of infertility and sexual and marital problems may be the most important predisposing factor for mental disorders and violence. Factors influence the incidence of violence, smoking, use of drug and physical and mental illnesses. Coping strategies, defining marriage goals, knowledge about infertility treatments, women's empowerment, intimate relationships can help infertile couples and lessen violence

[Diet quality and its relationship with metabolic syndrome in adolescents: Tehran lipid and glucose study]

The "Dietary Guidelines for Americans Adherence Index [DGAI] " was developed based on the adherence to the dietary recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 [DGA-2005] to assess the contribution of dietary patterns to chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of dietary patterns as measured by the modified DGAI with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome [MetS] and its components in Tehranian adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, 706 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, participated from the fourth phase of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Usual dietary intake was assessed using a valid food frequency questionnaire, and the DGAI score was calculated for all participants. MetS was defined according to de Ferranti criteria. The most prevalent risk factor for MetS was high waist circumference [51.8%]. After adjusting for confounding variables, those in the highest quartile category of DGAI had a 36% lower risk of low HDL-C [odds ratio=64%, 95% CI: 0.41-0.98 and P for trend=0.03] and 50% lower risk of hypertension [odds ratio=50%, 95% CI: 0.25-0.99 and P for trend=0.02], compared with the lowest quartile. Increasing adherence to DGAI showed no significant difference in risk of hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, high waist circumference, MetS, mean body mass index [BMI] or physical activity scores. In adolescents, increasing adherence to Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 [DGA-2005] had only an inverse association with low HDL-C and hypertension, but had no relationship with the risk of MetS and its other components

[Ranking of Iranian pharmacy school websites based on web impact factor]

Considering the importance of websites in informing users and establishing communications, universities have started to design their own websites for organizing and making their information accessible. Evaluation of these websites through webometric methods will help recognize pitfall and strong points to reach a better quality and constant improvement. This study was aimed at ranking Pharmacy School Websites in Iran by Web Impact Factor[WIF]. The webometric method was used in this study. The Data were collected via two search engines: Google and Yahoo. The population of the study consisted of 13 Pharmacy Schools in Iran. Excel and SPSS were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that website of Mashhad Pharmacy School with an WIF of 9.66 in Yahoo and with 44.96 in Google was at the highest rank. While Zanjan Pharmacy School with the WIF of 0.05 in Yahoo and with 0.067 in Google had the lowest rank. The results suggest that despite the low WIF, elements such as number of pages, mass of information and related links have an influence on WIF causing differences in ranking of Pharmacy Schools

Effects of long-term calcium deficiency on the electro-and echocardiography in laying hens

Ca is the most important minerals in the body that plays a key rols in the physiological activities, anzymatic reaction and the regulation of myocardial contraction and relaxation. Ca deficiency causes the heart failure and decrease cardiac contractility. To determine the effects of long-term dietary calcium deficiency on the heart function of layer hens based on the electro- and echocardiography. Ninety Hyline W36 hens were kept for 21 weeks and fed by rations with different amounts of calcium. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and post-mortem left ventricular parameters were assessed. S wave amplitude was significantly [p<0.05] increased in the Ca-deficient group II [in lead II] at 36 weeks of age in compared to control. There were also elevations of the QRS wave amplitudes in 28 and 36 weeks of age at two Ca-deficient groups [leads II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF] but were only significant [p<0.05] in Ca-deficient group II [leads II and aVF] in compared to control. Left ventricular free wall diameter at end-systole were significantly [p<0.05] increased in the Ca-deficient group II at 28 and 36 weeks of age compared to the control group. Inter-ventricular septal diameters at end-systole were decreased in two Ca-deficient groups at 28 and 36 weeks [p<0.05]. Left ventricular free wall diameter at post-mortem were significantly [p<0.05] increased in two Ca-deficient groups at 36 weeks of age compared to the control group. From these results, it can be suggested that long-term dietary calcium deficiency alters in electro- and echocardiographic parameters, which could reflect pathological left ventricular hypertrophy in the laying hens

effect of support group method on quality of life in post-menopausal women

Quality of life in post-menopausal women and menopausal symptoms are closely related concepts. Influence health education policy in order to promote health and adopt a menopause lifestyle requires alternative strategies, including health training programs with community - based interventions. The current study aims to survey the effects of support groups on quality of life of post-menopausal women. A blind field trial [2010] was conducted at Saadatmandii Clinical Center [Robat Karim, Iran]. 110 women were selected randomly divided into test and control groups [consisting of 55 ones]. Menopause specific quality of life questionnaire [MENQOL] was used for evaluation of life quality before and three months after intervention; there was no intervention in the control group. Data were analyzed by using SPSS/16. Qualitative variables were analyzed using chi-square tests and quantitative variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon test, paired T-test and independent t-test. There was significant difference between vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, sexual aspects and life quality of this group pf women [P<0.001]. There was no statistically significant difference in the quality of life of women in control group. According to the results method of support group can lead to improved quality of life for postmenopausal ones and it can be appropriate healthcare policy to promote health and improve life quality of this group of women

Assessment of avian osteoporosis by a quantitative radiographic method

The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative radiographic method for assessment of experimental osteoporosis in Leghorn breed laying hens. Three groups of 24 Leghorn pullets were reared in cage and fed a ration containing different calcium levels, including 3.55, 2.075 and 0.6 percent [for groups 1-3, respectively]. The hens were fed this diet from 17 weeks of age to the end of the experiment. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, 8 hens from each group were selected randomly. Radiographs were obtained from the tibiotarsus and the humerus of each hen. Radiographs were digitized using a camera and assessed by "Image J" software. Bone radiopacities and bone cortex/diameter [C/D] ratios were measured. The hens were sacrificed and the bone ash and calcium contents were measured. Bone densities of the birds in different groups were significantly different at just 36 weeks of age; they were greater in the tibiotarsus bone of the control group than in the tibiotarsus bone of median [P=0.02] and with the low calcium [P=0.007] groups. Humerus densities were also greater in control group compared with that of median [P=0.04] and with low calcium [P=0.0004] diet group. Cortex/diameter index of the tibiotarsus bone was different in all three stages between control and the two other groups, while there were no significant differences between the humeri C/D indices and the three groups in the first stage. Humeri C/D indices of the second and third stages had significant differences between control and the two other groups [P?0.05]. This study showed that radiographic evaluation of bone density is valuable just in progressed osteoporosis, while C/D index can be used for diagnosis of osteoprotic bones in earlier stages

[Response surface methodology for optimization of ultrasound-assisted inulin extraction from burdock tuberous]

Inulin has been increasingly used due to its beneficial nutritional attributes as prebiotic ingredient and nutritional values. The burdock tuberous could be a source of inulin. Now a day's Ultrasound has attracted considerable interest in food science and technology due to its promising effects in food processing and preservation. The ultrasonically induced cavitations were shown to increase the permeability of the plant tissues. The mechanical effects of ultrasound provide a greater penetration of solvent into cellular materials. In some cases direct sonication increased the efficiency of extraction at lower temperatures and shorter time. O ptimization of extraction conditions for burdock tubers using sonication. In this research, a series of statistically designed studies such as central composite design [CCD] and response surface methodology [RSM] were performed to investigate the effect of each of the independent variables, ultrasonic waves [20-100%], exposure time [5-25 min] and treatment temperature [20-60 C] on yield of inulin extraction from burdock tubers. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize multiple variables to predict the best performance conditions with a minimum number of experiments. According to Determination of inulin content of extraction liquid, Total carbohydrate and Reducing sugar were determined and finally the inulin content was measured with the difference between total carbohydrate and reducing sugars. Inulin extraction yield [%] was calculated using the following relationship = [inulin content × volume of extraction liquid/mass of Burdock tuber powder] ×100. Based on canonical analysis, the optimal conditions for maximizing inulin extraction yield [24.36%] were at 36.85 °C for 25.4 min and amplitude of 83.2%. application of ultrasound would be a promising method to enhance the extraction process

Association between dietary fiber intake and metabolic syndrome: tehran lipid and glucose study

There is little known about the relation between metabolic syndrome and fiber intake are available in Iran. We evaluated the relation between total, and various types and sources of dietary fiber and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. In this cross sectional study, 2457 adults, aged 19-84 years were studied. Total dietary fiber intake and its types and sources were assessed using a validated semi quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Blood pressure, Anthropometrie, and biochemical measurements were assessed. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to definition by Iranien National Committee of Obesity. In the multivariate-adjusted odds ratio, intakes of total [OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.39-0.74], both soluble [OR: 0.60; 95% Cl: 0.43-0.84] and insoluble dietary fiber [OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.35-0.72], fruit fiber [OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.37-0.72], legume fiber [OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.53-0.99] and cereal fiber [OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57-0.97] were inversely associated with the metabolic syndrome. There was not significant association between usîng vegetable and nut fiber and prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Total dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble fibers, and especially fruit and legumes fibers, reduce the metabolic syndrome among adults in Tehran